BNP Leader Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir Discusses Improved Relations with India After Sheikh Hasina’s Ouster
Dhaka, Bangladesh – The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), one of the largest political parties in Bangladesh, believes that relations with India are improving following the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The BNP, led by Begum Khaleda Zia, has been critical of agreements made with India during Hasina’s tenure.
Recently, Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka, Pranay Verma, met with BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir to discuss strengthening ties. Alamgir stated that Verma’s visit has led to many positives for both countries. He said, “There was a question about our relations since the last election in Bangladesh. But this time, the visit of the High Commissioner (of India) in our office, definitely improved the situation. Ice has started melting.”
The BNP had boycotted the Bangladesh parliamentary elections held in January 2024. Alamgir emphasized that India and Bangladesh have always had good relations and that this visit marks a turning point. He assured India that if the BNP comes to power, they will not allow Bangladesh’s soil to be used by separatist organizations.
More than a month ago, a student-led movement ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600 people. An interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. The BNP is not part of the interim government but is expected to be a key contestant in future elections. BNP chief Khaleda Zia was released from jail a day after Hasina’s government fell.
Alamgir also mentioned that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with the Foreign Affairs Advisor of the interim Bangladesh Government, Md. Touhid Hossain, at the 79th United Nations General Assembly. He believes this meeting will further strengthen Indo-Bangladesh relations.
The BNP has alerted its units about the safety of the minority Hindu community in Bangladesh ahead of the Durga Puja festival, which will be celebrated from October 9 to 13. Alamgir stated, “We are very much concerned about the wrong narrative that the Hindu communities are facing a serious problem in Bangladesh. I don’t think that any serious problem is going on. After every change, there are some problems that are political, not religious or communal. But, we are very alert to safeguard the minority of our country.”
The BNP believes that Bangladesh will soon transition from the interim government to a democratically elected one.
Doubts Revealed
BNP -: BNP stands for Bangladesh Nationalist Party. It is a political party in Bangladesh.
Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir -: Mirza Fakrul Islam Alamgir is a leader in the BNP and serves as its Secretary General.
Sheikh Hasina -: Sheikh Hasina is the current Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the leader of the Awami League party.
Indian High Commissioner -: The Indian High Commissioner is a diplomat who represents India in Bangladesh. Pranay Verma is the current High Commissioner.
separatist organizations -: Separatist organizations are groups that want to break away from a country to form a new one. The BNP promises not to let such groups use Bangladesh’s land.
minority Hindu community -: In Bangladesh, Hindus are a smaller group compared to Muslims. The BNP is concerned about their safety during the Durga Puja festival.
Durga Puja -: Durga Puja is a major Hindu festival that celebrates the goddess Durga. It is very important to the Hindu community.